University of Derby to Help More Chesterfield Youngsters access Higher Education
Inspiring more young people in Chesterfield to get better qualifications is one of the aims of a new £197,000 project led by the University of Derby.
The University has been awarded money by the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills to run a new North East Midlands Collaborative Outreach Network, one of 35 such projects across the UK created under a £22 million scheme.
Each network will help teachers and advisers find out about higher education through events on their doorstep and provide general guidance about going to colleges and universities.
The network led by the University of Derby has been allocated £120,000 per year by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) for the academic years 2014-15 and 2015-16 to set up and co-ordinate its infrastructure on behalf of partners – which include Chesterfield College.
Liz Downes, Head of Higher Education at Chesterfield College, said: “East Midlands is one of the lowest participation regions in England and working together could really make an impact in inspiring young people to consider higher education.”
A further £77,632 per year will also be provided to the University of Derby for extra work that will benefit the schools and colleges within the Network’s area, which covers ten educational institutions across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, parts of Leicestershire and parts of Lincolnshire.
A website to be launched in spring will include information about events and services for local schools and colleges, as well as signposting advice to support schools and colleges as they prepare their students for higher education.
Professor John Coyne, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Derby, said: “More of our young people need to see the way universities can help them build fulfilling careers.”
Krisha Bainham, Head of Education Liaison at Derby added: “I’m looking forward to working with all the partners to raise awareness of the real advantages that a higher education qualification can give.”
